denver blog 08

Welcome to the Denver Missions Trip Blog.We completed our trip, but we still want to share our experiences of connecting with God, our team, and people.

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A cup of cold water
on August 19, 2008 at 10:39 pm

Mikey: Hi my name is Michael Flammini, and this is Meghan Mahoney. And we would like to share with you something special that went on in Denver

Meghan: You might have received a cup of cold water today while walking into church. Well while in Denver, we did something called “cups of cold water” led by Jude. What we did was we went up to an unsuspecting person and offered them a cup of cold water. It was that simple. Then we tried to get to know them and when we felt comfortable we would try to bring up our faith. We brought scripture tracks or pamphlets and DVDs with us to hand out.

Mikey: while our leader was explaining in detail, much better than what we can do, something was going in my mind. I was thinking “Oh man, what are we doing? I am about to go up some random person and share my faith.” I was terrified, were you Meghan? What would people think of us? Well, our devotion for that day had a lot to do with what we were going through. The verse that went with the situation was Second Chronicles 20:15 “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” After remembering this verse, I put all my fears aside and I went out there and picked my first target. Still unsure while walking up, I offered the water to them, and before long became comfortable with all of my surroundings.

Meghan: We went to two places: a bus stop and a skate park. We went to this skate park and we were all really scared. Not only were these people strangers, but they were our age, so it would be basically like trying to share our faith with our peers. Most teens don’t care and we figured that out right when we got there. A bunch of teens came up to get water, but skated off and we had no chance to talk to them. After a little while, Mikey, Emily and I started walking around and handing out water. We stopped and talked to this one guy who said he was a non- believer, but let us pray for him anyway. After we prayed for him he thanked us and skated off.

Mikey: This experience has shown us that we can share our faith anywhere, because we feel God leading us to people who need to hear the gospel. We’re just His instruments. He gives us confidences, and sometimes even the words to help others understand the gift of salvation. And I think I speak for everyone when I say we all have been changed for the better because of this experience. Thank you!

This writing comes from a service trip to Denver with a group of 10 people. We went in Christians; we came out soldiers in the name of Christ. Written by Tim, a member of this “Jesus Army.”
The Body of Christ has always had such a strong meaning to me. We are connected by something so much stronger than ourselves. That one common bond I would never replace for anything. Yet before this trip I have never seen this body work so well together. Seeing each piece using their different talents to bring out the love of Jesus: Jake with his new leadership, Emily with her compassion, Josh with his jokes and constant vigilance to see what God is trying to show him, Mikey with his goofiness, Brianne with her contagious energy, Steve with his new found focus, Meghan with her new confidence, Daniel and Cheese with their laid back leadership and ability to allow us to follow God’s call with whatever tools we needed. Then there’s me… all I can say is that I am the crazy one in the group. We were all God’s hands and feet using the opportunities that only God could have given us. We did not miss one call to spread the Good News… let’s call it the Great News. We spread this little thing called love, as a body.
Great now you have me talking about love. This is going to take forever isn’t it? I went into the trip wondering what love truly is. Just hoping that God would give me this grand definition and boy was I wrong. I got a much better answer than that. I know you’re probably thinking of 1 Corinthians 13 as a definition and I would have to disagree. I think that that verse is the best way to say what love is in a way that humans can put into words. The thing is from this trip I learned that love is so much more. One would never be able to put into words what it truly is. The very first question that I will ask God when I get to heaven will be “What is love?” Even though I can not say what it is, our group showed that love. That perfect love that only one man could have given us by dieing for us. He brought hope to the world and a way to be with our Great Father in heaven. He sacrificed his life! Now we can be saved. That man was Jesus and we were Jesus to people in Denver. It came from our hearts, our love. We poured our love into little cups of water to give out at a skate park and a bus stop. We sat next to homeless and talked with them. Mikey and Josh started a new ministry called “The Hackisac Ministry” and showed their love in their own unique way. We gave out bibles. We worshipped outside of an abortion clinic. We debriefed, we bonded, we prayed, and we did in all in the love of Jesus Christ our Savior. That love was a powerful, powerful force. They saw Jesus in our eyes and actions. That is what love is! I could never give anyone a definition in any way, but God gave us an ability to show it. We used that ability and it made us into strong warriors bearing the flag of Jesus Christ.
I do not really have a good way to tie my next paragraph in with the previous so I’m just going to tell you, this is a new paragraph. This new paragraph is about prayer: That great tool that we have that allows us to have a true relationship with God and Jesus. It is a blessing that God has given us to be able to just talk to him and figure things out through him. It is such a great tool that we have and sometimes the power of prayer seems to become desensitized to us. Well I’m here to say that it is amazing and true miracles come out of prayer. Do not EVER forget that when we pray it does not fall on deaf ears. God answers prayers. Think about that for a second… When you call out to God to help you through something he is there to answer. When you thank God for what he has done he is there listening to you. When you praise God for his greatness he is there. The Denver group used this tool as much as we could. It started out with prayer in the morning with our devotionals and before eating breakfast. We prayed for our day and that God would provide us with many opportunities to do his will. We prayed with people asking God to reveal himself to them, to bless them, to nurture them, and to love them. Let me tell you, God ALWAYS answered. There was not a single point in the day when I felt like I was not where God wanted me to be. I was talking to the people that God wanted me to talk to. I was praying for the people that God wanted me to pray for. I was doing God’s will at every possible moment. God ANSWERS prayers! Amen? I will never forget that and I will always have faith that my prayers will be answered.
Have you ever heard the saying “it’s like the blind leading the blind?” It is not a very happy thought when one considers that crossing the street runs the risk of being hit by something that weighs 10 times a human’s body weight (not a confirmed fact). It’s sort of funny how we can sometimes trust someone who has absolutely no idea what he or she is talking about but we can not always trust God, the Lord of all creation. On this trip we had no choice but to completely trust God and let him lead us to where we needed to go. If we had any plans they were thrown out immediately. I’m sure everyone has heard stories of people completely trusting God with their lives and never being dissatisfied with the results. Well there is a reason why there are so many stories. It is because it is true. God always is with you and repays you, even if it is at the start of a new life with God in heaven. Our group trusted God, we had faith and hope and God provided. It has proven time and time again that God is a great provider and I am so glad that I was able to experience what he provided for me. We took those provisions given by the Almighty and we repaid God to the best of the abilities that the Lord gave us.
Now here comes the conclusion, my final input into this little writing. These thoughts and opportunities that I have been given were not provided by ME alone. I can only give credit to God and thank him from the deepest parts of my heart. Our God is an awesome God. Look around you at your church, among your friends, within your home. Can you feel God’s presence? I can. We have a perfect God that surrounds us with great Christian brothers and sisters to create a great Body of Christ, a perfect God that gives us such a powerful force, love, a perfect God that answers our prayers, a perfect God that is in complete control. Now I ask myself and every one of you, what can we give back?

Hey Tim,
Thank you for verbalizing what God did in your life while ministering in Denver. Isn’t it amazing that the more you give, the more you come away loving Jesus?
I am so blessed to have read your journal. It’s a challenge to my heart! Dona Eggar

Tim, It was amazing to hear your recap of the trip the other night. Your stories were heart warming and heart wrenching. Your outspokeness about your love of the Lord is a challenge and a lesson to us all. I will continue to pray for God to work in your heart.

Tim,
You are just amazing. I love your writtings you have a way with words. God truly did work through all of us. As you know Crystal, my daughter was very impressed with what you had to say the night at Red Rocks.
Just so you all know she left me a vm saying how she was so amazed at the love everyone showed to her and the boys. When she asked me why everyone was so nice I told her because you have the love of Jesus in you. In her vm she wanted me to tell all of you how much you influenced her without you really knowing. She said that she wants to find a fun church like ours because she knows how much I love ours because I always “work” for the church. She also said that she wants her boys to be in a yg so that they will be like you guys. She said Daniel makes a very good leader, her description he’s extreme, crazy and fun who wouldn’t want to follow him. Hopefully I can play the vm at YG. She said she hopes we include her next year when we come to Denver.
So my thanks to all of you guys for who you are and for loving my family. Hey Tim you are so right God showed us how to LOVE.

Not bad young man. it has been fun to watch this part of your spiritual quest, thanks for letting me walk with you for a while (would have lovedto have seen this trip). What a great question to end your message with, so it begs to be asked – “what’s next?”

Thank you for changing my plans for the week and teaching me how to trust you instead. Thank you for putting me in a place where I could no longer rely on my abilities but rather on your plan. Strip away my schedule. Help me to be led by you.

Love,

(this letter was written by a Denver Team member to God at the end of our trip…name withheld)

Words can’t articulate how much I have learned. Please help me live completely for you and forget my old life. You have given me a great ability to share my faith and let me run with that. Help me love on people in Jesus’ name and in his way.

Amen.

(this letter was written by a Denver Team member to God at the end of our trip…name withheld)

I am very grateful for the things you have taught me this past week. My only option is to trust in you completely and thats the only way it works out. Please continue to guide me on the path you want me to be on.

(this letter was written by a Denver Team member to God at the end of our trip…name withheld)

The things that I have learned are never to be forgotten. Thanks for all you have showed and taught me. I pray that you help me use what I learned for the rest of my life. Help me move forward in my faith.

(this letter was written by a Denver Team member to God at the end of our trip…name withheld)

Dear God,
Thanks for letting me make enough money for this trip and getting my grades up. Thanks for teaching me how to share my faith with people I dont know. God, please help me to share my faith with my friends by bringing them to coffeehouse and youth group. Thanks for the fun time you let me have in Denver.

Love,

(this letter was written by a Denver Team member to God at the end of our trip…name withheld)

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to serve you and do your will. Im so thankful for the memories that Ive made on this trip. Help me to be more focused on you. I love doing what you need me to do.

As Always,

(this letter was written by a Denver Team member to God at the end of our trip…name withheld)

Thank you so much for all that You taught me this week and for answering my prayers. I love being close to You and dont ever want to be afraid to share my faith with other people. “For I can do all things through You who gives me strength.” I want to continue my ongoing prayer and am so glad that I learned how to listen to You.

Love,

(this letter was written by a Denver Team member to God at the end of our trip…name withheld)

Thank you so much for allowing me to go to Denver and have a wonderful experience in the mountains. Thank you for the relationships that were strengthened on the trip. Please help me to share my faith at school with my non-Christian friends. Also, please help me to express the joy that you have gave me every day. Please help me to keep at least one picture of the mountains with me at all times to remind myself of the trip. Help me to change my life because of this trip instead of for a week and then forget everything I learned. I want to fully rely on you to see what you have planned for my life.

Love,

(this letter was written by a Denver Team member to God at the end of our trip…name withheld)

+What was the hardest part of your day?: Walking after cutting my feet on the rocks.
+How did you see God work today?: Giving me the strength to complete our hike. Ever time I looked up I saw another upward climb. I didnt think Id make it but I just asked God to give me the strength. The views and God’s creation were breathtaking. (Linda)
+What did God teach you today?: To have a good attitude in every situation and not complain when things get hard. (Meghan)
+What did you appreciate today?: Waking up to know that God is always there. (Steve)
+What’s something new you experienced today?: Jumping into a glacier fed lake (Tim)
+Quotes: “If God wants you dead, He will kill you either way.” (Josh)
“Are you spiritually sexy?” (John)

Have an awesome time. You are going to love it. Daniel will be a fabulous travel guide. He knows all the mountains by name. For your devotions read the Psalms and thank God for His creation, that He made for us to enjoy. Now go and enjoy.
Love you all,
Mrs. Marina

Hello Denver Friends, I hope you’re having a refreshing time in Estes Park. I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon. I just spent some time going thru the pictures. Some of them are just gorgeous and some of them, when paired with your stories are very moving. I’m already putting together scrapbook pages in my head. Make sure you get a picture of the Hummer (and I hope someone got a picture of Daniel breaking in to it…. I can’t wait to hear more of that story).

What was the highest part of your day?
-praying for a skater boy (Steve)
What was the hardest part of your day?
– Not having plans go how I thought and wanted (Jake)
What did God teach you today?
-Watching our team struggle at 16th street mall and skate park and still feel it was a good day (Linda)
What did you appreciate most today?
– being able to help around Confluence’s building because they gave us a lot this week, so we were basically paying them back (Meghan)
What made you laugh or cry today?
-Josh and I are still fighting (Mikey)
What’s something new or different you experienced today?
– I talked to a non-Christian teeenager about God and then prayed for him (Emily)
Did anyone say anything quoteworthy today?
– Daniel “Breaking into a Hummer will increase your ‘street cred'”. (Josh)

Hey guys we didn’t really get to update for today so I’m going to do it.
Quote of the Day: that just gave me God bumps (John)
Weather: beautiful
Well here’s what happened. Daniel and I got seperated from the group because the rest of the group was to young to work there. Daniel and I decided that us two were suppoused to be away from the group for whatever God needed us to do. We were talking about who got the most out of the group and immediately Daniel thought of Jake because he changed into a pretty strong leader. I said that it was Daniel. Guys be ready for a new Daniel. One who will be able to give up his life to the Lord just like Abraham, a true Jesus warrior. All of us has changed into that. I fully believe that you will all be surprised how much greater warriors for Christ we are. Remember though it was not us that made this huge change, it was Jesus. We grew so strong together and so much closer to listening to God that there is nothing impossible for us to do. We all have faith greater than a mustard seed and we are so powerful because God is working through us. As a group we truly showed that we are a Body of Christ. I could see Jesus working through us and that love being sent out with such force that the devil started to cry. Each of our gifts working together so perfectly that nothing could stop us. I’m going to tell you this one more time because it is such an important statement, We are the Body of Christ. I have nothing more to say. Amen

Corinthians 4Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.
6There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.
7But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
8For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;
9to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
10and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.
11But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
12For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.
13For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
14For the body is not one member, but many.
15If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.
16And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.
17If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?
18But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.
19If they were all one member, where would the body be?
20But now there are many members, but one body.

Hi Tim……..this passage immediately came to mind when I read your update. I hesitated to post it because of the length, but it truly made me think of God nodding in agreement. On a side note, you are an EXCELLENT writer! (Sorry, I can’t help myself….it’s the teacher in me!) I love looking at the pictures….. I see a glow in your faces, sense some weariness but a spirit of accomplishment for the Lord that overrides it, and feel the strong bonds you’re making. I also see the positive effects of lots of time outdoors in God’s beautiful creation. That skate park looks incredible…I’m just wondering….why didn’t you get any pictures of Linda in action there? She’s put so much effort into getting physically ready for the trip, I’m just sure she must have been whipping around that place like a wild woman!!! hmmmm or maybe she forgot her skateboard?

I thought about and prayed for you all throughout the day…and will continue to do so.

God Bless You BIG!!!
Mrs. Gablin

PS Tell Joshua I’ve been using Firefox regularly since he left, and love it. He’s been telling me to use if for years, but like I said, I don’t easily pick up on things!!!

I can’t wait to hear all about your week, and I want details. How about ice cream sundaes at our house. Praying now that your love for Jesus and spreading His love to others will be contagious in the youth group and that you all will be catalysts for tremendous growth in all the youth group. I am praying for the YG to grow by conversions. Keep the fire going.
Love you all,
Now go enjoy those mountains.
Mrs. Marina

I can’t wait to see you guys when you get back. I can’t imagine how much God has changed you all and it sounds like a great deal!! We’ve been praying for you and hope you all have a safe and fun hike tomorrow!!

I’m crazy Its 6:30 AM Im laying in bed..well, used to be laying in bed. But I cant fall asleep and in my head Im planning our next missions trips. Logistics–how can we possibly go to serve in Iowa this fall? Where should we go next summer? Why am I not sleeping?

But why not be wired like this? Especiailly when I have experienced these magical moments with our team in Denver.

Consider yesterday (Wednesday). Our team went to an abortion clinic. The gameplan was to worship and pray. No confrontation. Just worshiping God in a harsh spiritual battleground. We had an intense debrief afterward to say the least. After lunch our eight students decided to pray together to askk the Lord (ATL) what they should do that afternoon. Meghan heard God say we needed to go back to Civic Park to talk to strangers, homeless, and hopeless. That decision was confirmed in the experience. After dinner it was back to Red Rocks. We hiked and then gathered to worship at a pavilion overlooking the Denver plains. As we sang songs about our Creator god, we watched an incredible lightening show dance with the music

Daniel…you’re too young to be waking up when your body is supposed to be sleeping! I find I’m always waking up at odd hours unable to sleep (note the time of my posts is typically between 1:30 & 5:00 am). I just thought it was an age thing.Maybe I should look at it as a God thing, allowing me much needed solitary time to connect with Him. hmmmmm You’ve got me thinking…….

Kristy

PS How’s Joshua doing with the music? After our deliberations about whether to bring the guitar or not, I smiled when I saw the vehicles you ended up with. I told Jeff, “Well, I guess Daniel didn’t need to worry about room for the guitar in the rental cars!” 😎

What was te weather like today?: It was nice but a little cloudy. A high of 101 F and a low of 90 F (Bri)
What was the highlight of your day?: While Tim and I walked through Civic Park we prayed for someone to talk to and sure enough a guy ran up to us and asked us something which engaged conversation. We then had a challenging half hour conversation with a Budhist guy which I thought was interesting and i completely trust God to reveal himself to this man. (Jake)
What was hardest about your day?: Going and talking to new people (Josh)
How did you see God at work today?: We were praying outside an abortion center for all the women inside and a young woman came out who didn’t go through with the abortion. (Emily)
What did God teach you today?: I saw scripture come into practice with Jehoshepaht (2 Chronicles 1-24) (Tim)
Who did you appreciate most today? Why?: When I prayed for someone that he would have a good life here in America (Steven)
What made you laugh or cry today?: At the Planned Parenthood the protestors kids telling women “don’t kill your baby, let them live, we can help” (Cheese)
What’s something new or different you experienced today?: We were worshipping and praying outside an abortion clinic while people were protesting everytime someone pulled in. (Meghan)
Did anyone say anything “quoteworthy” today?: I can not not be a leader (Jake)

So this is Tim that typed all this out and I realized that Jake said a double negative and it took all my might to not change that and correct it grammatically…

Wow, guys! I’m amazed and in awe! I know how hard this must be for you, Joshua. I KNOW the talkative Joshua, but most people have always known you as a quiet person. I’m so happy to see you move out of your comfort zone and get to know others as well as let others get to know you. You have incredible insights and so much to share. I think it’s amazing how God can do things through us that we can’t even imagine doing on our own. I’ll pray that he continues to do this through you. I’ve been working like crazy on a project for my last class of this course, which is tonight! It’s been tough, and I guess I got a glimpse of what you feel about homework because I found myself saying, “I hate this!” 😎 Tim swam in Bloomingdale tonight, so Sara and I walked over to Uncle KC’s house and brought Noah down in the stroller. He is on the verge of walking!!! Tell Steve Tim beat his 100 Free by 3.5 seconds. He was beat…..something you don’t usually see in Timothy. I love you sweetie, and I’ll keep up the prayers for all of you.

I’m so proud of all of you. I’m continuing to earnestly pray for you. I’m glad to see God working in all of your lives!!! I’m wondering about Jake’s double negative. Did he mean he is a leader ( which many of us believe to be true) or that he isn’t.
Tim, Claire and I knew it was you doing the typing. All of your stories are fascinating and we can’t wait for you to share them when you get home. Love you all, praying for you all, Mrs. Z

I am having an very amazing time here in Denver. I am so loving being here with this team. We have done things that I have never imagined. I had to step way out of my comfort zone and approach a perfect stranger, now right here most of you are saying “You always talk to strangers”, and share my faith which I do not often do. I spoke to a gentleman with a vietnam backgound, he was very hard core. I actually prayed for him on the spot, Dona Eggar style. Talked to a homeless lady Becky at the bus stop and heard her story and prayed with her. After the first time it gets easier especially once i let God leave me.
Today was more difficult in the fact that we were in front of a planned pregancy clinic doing prayer and worship. Very upsetting and emotional for me. Tongiht being at Red Rocks again for worship was so awesome.
Just loving on your kids.
Charleigh I miss you and love you

As I said above, I’m amazed and in awe. I’ll continue to pray for you as you minister to others in Denver. You’re amazing! Thanks so much for serving our kids…..words can’t explain how much it means to all of us parents.

Linda, we moms are grateful as always for your leadership of “our” kids. I’m so pleased to hear that God is working in your heart as well as the kids heart. I’m continuing to pray for all of you. Love you, Therese

Jesus has broken us down and rebuilt us to be broken down again. Yet he always bebuilds us. My ability to share my faith has become great. Just to let you guys all know I am crazy and I do not know if you will be ready for me. I am sincerely contemplating where God is taking me and I wonder why. This trip has been very humbling as well. Guy you do not even understand all the things that are going on and all the stories that I have. I will tell you my stories and maybe you will learn from them but you will never understand the emotions, the love, the intensity of what really goes on in those stories. For these stories to ever be understood you must create your own story. Go and search for God. Go out and trust Jesus will tell you the words to say and the things to do. God is with you all. Tragedy has happened here in Denver, but it has bonded us. It has brought us to God. It gives us strength. Give up your lives in Jesus’ name. He lovees you enough to die for him and now it’s your turn to pay him back.

Tim, I love you, man. Your words exceed your years and I am stunned by what you are sharing today. I knew this trip would be a humbling experience for everyone. We all need to be humbled to remember who is really in control of our lives. But it is your revelation “Give up your lives in Jesus’ name” that really impresses me. It took me 50 years to figure that out, and I’m still re-learning it day by day, but you are living it already as a teen !! YOU are a tremendous role model, and not only for your peers and younger but also for adults like me. I look forward to hearing all your stories. I hope you will share one of them with my son too. Thanks.

Our group is memorizing sections of Phillipians for our trip I have been meditating lately on Phil. 1:3-4: I thank my God everytime i remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy beacuause of your partnership from the first day until now.

I find myself praying many prayers of joys lately for our team. We started this together. I have seen the process. Now I am getting to see the results. I am filled with joy.

Yesterday, we served at St Francis homeless center. We did the background chores to make the place work. Our teens served without complaining, doing their very best. Then we had lunch by the art museum. After the teens chose to work on their vbs plans and then go back into Civic park to talk to strangers about Jesus. They chose this! Yesterday afternoon, we went to the bus stop where our teens joyfully passed out water. They chose to take it a step farther and pray with the people too. I can still see Meghan approaching strangers doing this, Mikey giving someone a cup of water then saying “Do you know Jesus?”, and Jake and Bri talking to a group of young adults. Wow. I am filled with joy! At night, our teens served some very needy kids at VBS. I remember jake saying that 300 kids at BC’s Day Camp was easier than 30 kids at joshua station. They didnt give up. In the evening our team worshiped together with Jude (the leader at Confluence). Some how for the last couple of songs, we all locked arms together and sang as a team. That was a joyful moment.

Thanks so much for your prayers, comments on the blog, and support. We love you.

PS…remember the backpack I told you about? Linda and I got another one at Target to replace the one we gave away. Same backpack, $30. The receipt said $8.09. Explain that!

I miss you all!! Thank-you for sharing your experiences on the Blog – it makes all of us feel just a little closer to you. And you know we all love you and are praying for you. God is Great!!! and he has such wonderful plans for you all – not just this week but for your lives. Pray and LISTEN – you will hear him guiding you.

What a fabulous update. Thank you for sharing as I can picture the teens JOYFULLY serving the Lord in those tough situations. I thought of this verse for you all.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I am so excited to hear that you are all making such a difference there and are stepping out of your comfort zones!! It makes me wish I could be there with you to see all that God is doing! I know though that New Orleans will bring it’s challenges too. I can’t wait to hear more about your trip!!

+what was the weather like today?: sunny, did rain like crazy (for 5 minutes)
+what was the highlight of your day?: When Daniel, Tim, and I wnet up to a guy in the park and started talking to him about God and prayed Even though he didnt really talk to us and he didnt pray with us, it was amazing (emily)
+what was the hardest about your day?: When we were in the park, because you were supposed to just go up to someone you dont know, but it turned out ok (Bri)
+How did you see God at work at today?: When we were giving people water at the bus stop, we thought we were out of water and it kept coming. We had like 20 cups left. (Meghan)
+What did God teach you today?: God taught me to always trust him and the plans that he has. Before the bus stop ministry I was nervous and afraid and did not want to go. Adter talking to a few people I was uplifted and more willing and it became fun (Jake)
+What made you laugh?: Josh told another funny joke
+Did anyone saying anything quoteworthy:? “What are they talking about?” (A little girl told Daniel this while the teens were doing their skit…The skit was reall good, it was just a chaotic setting)
+Whats something new you experienced:? Bus stop ministry while talking to a lady she told she stays at Delores Projects and gets her mail at the St Francis homeless shelter where she gets her mail. The new experience was going up to someone new with a cup of colder water at a bus station and talking ot her(Linda)

I can’t tell you what it a joy it is to see my little, shy Emily going up to perfect strangers to share the gospel. I’m thankful for your life and all the joy you bring to others. Thanks for your example and your willingness to work so hard with your friends to make the lives of others better.

Ha ha Mikey. Don’t you just loveeeeee…..doing the dishes. Maybe it can become your new chore to do when you get home. Now you can see what us girls/ women suffer when we have to wash them. Miss you all. Be good and I hope you get something out of this trip.

Mike, isn’t it amazing when you can learn from even life’s boring tasks? You learned that you appreciate others. But remember this, while feeling appreciation for others is good, sincerely telling others how or why you appreciate them is great! That’s also a sign of maturity and I’ve been very impressed with how quickly you have been maturing over the past year. Mike, I really appreciate YOU, your enthusiasm for Christ, and all you do to help our youth group learn and grow.

And by the way, I’m sure you meant to add that you appreciate ALL women (not just those who do dishes) because each woman is a unique, special gift from God. Be sure to tell Linda, Bri, Meghan and Emily how you appreciate them today too.

Hey everyone, everyone except for the leaders are here. We’ve all been praying for you and wanted to let you know that God is doing amazing, incredible, extraordinary, great, awesome, fabulous things. So as a group we decided to spend our free time at Civic Park to spend time with God and spread the word. We all had good experiences there as well. Within the next twenty minutes we left to go witness at a bus stop by passing out water and other pamphlets. Each one of us met someone, prayed with someone, and witness to someone in their own special way. We are very excited for tomorrow because we are going to give water to protestors against abortion. We can’t wait to see how God uses us. Having faith allows everyone to do amazing things as servants of Jesus Christ. Right now our faith is show strong and it shows in our actions. Hows everyones witnessing out there?? I hope your not being ashamed of being a Christian.
We love you all
Jake, Josh, Meghan, Bri, Emily, Steven, Mikey, Tim

Wow using your free time to share with those in Civic Park. You remind me of the verses:
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
[14] “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

You are a living example of those verses.
Looking forward to hearing how giving water to the protestors went.
Love you all and pray for you all,
Mrs. Marina

Thanks for praying for our team. We are really grateful for you. This trip has been challenging…God is really pushing us! I knew that this was going to be a level 3 trip rather than the level 1 trip that I am used to leading. Its been challenging. I have been challenged and stretched in some of the following ways: I am challenged when the schedule keeps changing. I am a planner…that drives me nuts! Im challenged when the schedule doesn’t turn out the way I had envisioned. I am challenged by our project leader (He loves watching me squirm!). I am challenged by being asked to go to the Civic Park and go up to people I do not know, start a conversation, and then hopefully show Jesus in a practical way. That’s not natural to me. I am challenged when a homeless guy that Jake and I have been talking to has just had his backpack stolen and I can hear God whispering to me to give him mine. I felt like Jonah just trying to sneak away on the bottom of a boat. I am challenged by our devo book that is about Bible figures such as Abraham who was asked to just go to a foreign land with no directions. In a small way, that is this week. In the evening we did VBS. I was thankful that we had at least one activity that we were good at. Nothing is easy on this trip! Our kids were homeless kids living in a halfway house…rarely disciplined. It was challenging. At the end of the day we were to participate in singing worship songs. I was really looking forward to this time of rest. Then Stevie D fell and Linda and I were off for to our annual visit to the hospital. Thankfully his arms were just sprained.

I am challenged by this trip. Its not been all sugar cookies and apple juice, but I am grateful that God is teaching us.

Our team has been awesome. They have banded together and have really risen to the challenge. I am so proud of them.

Daniel, so I guess it’s been a “challenging” trip so far since you mention the word about a dozen times already.

But I also read from your blog something I’ve known for quite a while now, that you are a natural born LEADER. Leaders succeed because they accept and conquer challenge. They expect, adapt to, and even welcome change. They carefully prepare their inexperienced team for life’s challenges and then watch them succeed against all odds. Leaders use setbacks as learning experiences and often opportunities for future successes.

God has blessed you with some very special gifts that will allow you to overcome and even embrace these challenges. YOU are a tremendous leader and I’m proud to call you friend. Enjoy and learn from all that God throws at you this week.

Daniel, We, as parents continue to be grateful for your leadership and example. Our kids are watching you and learning from you. They are learning to listen to God’s nudgings and to HIs word by what you’ve taught them. And you can be flexible….. you just don’t like to be. I think I hear in your writing that God is teaching you, not just our kids. Praise God Stephen is not seriously injured. I will continue to pray for all of you. Miss you all, Mrs. Z

So sunday school is going great! i never thought i would be good at it but they actually like it i think. last sunday school i talked about peer pressure and i got the group really involved which is great. there was like over 20 people there so huge turnout! anyways were praying for your group i have been thinking about you guys keep up that great work.

Wow! Having to “wing it” I know how that must be rough for you but I knew you could do it – Our group is praying for you all and are anxious and excited to hear all that takes place. You were looking for an opportunity to go deeper and it sounds like you found it. Very strange not being a part of a trip, so I guess that is my challenge – to pray and trust that all of you will be ok. Proud of you all – keep it going

Daniel,
This is definitely the perfect trip for you to lead and for the teens. Everyone will be stretched and used by God. I am excited to hear of how God is challenging you all and look forward to giant leaps forward in the youth group when they all return.
Yes, We are jealous that you are in God’s country. I enjoyed Emily’s comment on even the mountains will bow down before God. The Psalms should really come alive for everyone after seeing the majesty of the mountains…How Great Thou Art.
We also had a challenging day. Melissa, Maddy and I picked Joel up at school and then left for Flora, Il. 45 minutes past Effingham for the Hodges visitation. After it was over Mrs. Hodges and I went for a short walk and talked throughout the night. I was glad we were able to go. We left at 10:45 and Joel drove the entire way back too. Tomorrow is Mrs. Deak’s funeral. Pray for Mrs. Beard and Steve.

Tell all the teens we love them and are praying for them throughout the day.
Mom

Your post sounds so familiar to me……I just had to laugh. I always want to have everything planned and know what’s going to happen, too. Jeff thinks having twins was my gift for helping conquer that. He used to laugh and say, “Kris always likes everything perfect, but now she had twins and she CAN’T!!!” I, of course, did NOT think it was funny. I admire the fact that you’re able to see it in yourself. I actually had a friend tell me once “Kristy you need to hang a sign next to your bed and read it every morning….GOD IS GOD, AND I AM NOT!! Ya know, you can make the plans but not the outcome.” You’re realization sounds a bit more gentle than mine was. God has to hit some people in the head with things though….I was never good at picking up gentle nudges!!! 😎 I’m glad Steve is OK. Tell him Timothy is lost at swim team without him. In fact, they pulled him from his heats on Saturday, because they thought he was “going to Denver with Steve.” I hope all is going well, and that you have some time to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. We’ll keep up the prayers!!!
Kristy

When I heard your voice last night, I knew something was wrong. All I wanted to do was be with my son. When I hung up with you some friends and I began to pray. After, I knew Stephen was exactly where he is supposed to be and with the people he is supposed to be with. For quite some time I have been praying that Stephen and all of you are touched by God, challenged and stretched in your faith while on this trip. Learning each day how to listen, follow and surrender to God. I didn’t realize that I would also be challenged this week. I am learning to listen to my heart that tells me all is well in Denver and that you and LInda are giving Stephen exactly what he needs. I am being challenged to let go and let God lead and protect Stephen along with his leaders. Thank-you Jesus for no broken bones. Mostly I am continuing to learn to surrender all of my fears and worries because the Lord is in control. Daniel you are an amazing man and leader. I have 100% confidence that you will lead and rise up to each challenge that you and the team face this week. Thank-you for prepraing my son and the others to do the work of Chirst even in difficult situations. I will be praying that
you have a more uneventful evening and can get some rest.tonight!! We will continue to pray for all of you this week.

From one “planner” to another, I understand and appreciate how you are being challenged! As uncomfortable as it is, I think it is awesome that you are open about it and that the teens get to watch God working in your life!

For those of you reading Daniel’s blog;
Do you know how old that Jansport back pack is or was? Daniel got it when he went to High school. He takes care of it like it was brand new. Every time something goes wrong with it he mails it in, and because of the lifetime guarantee they send it back fixed and cleaned. I hope the homeless man enjoys it as much as you did.
The back pack story made us all smile.

end of the day debrief….Sunday!
+What was the weather like?: The weather was windish, but warm (Josh)
+What was the highlight of your day?: I was sitting at Red Rocks and I was praying about stuff and then the wind started moving the pages of my Bible. When it stopped there was a verse about what I was praying about. It was so cool (Emily)
+What was hardest about your day?: How trying everything was, but it was fun. (Bri)
+How did you see God at work today?: Our team becoming a closer unit (Linda)
+What did God teach you today?: I have to become more outgoing and more talkative to get done what I need to (Meghan)
+What did you appreciate most today?: Weather & climbing the rocks (Stevie D)
+What made you laugh or cry today?: Josh told a funny joke! (Mikey)
+What’s something new or different you experienced today?: I have never experienced a really good street performer until today (Jake)
+Quoteworthy?: “What are bumblebees call that? They dont even bumble.” (Daniel)

Things are quiet here without you (even though the quietest of you are there). I’ve been praying for God to work in your hearts and for you to be a blessing to those you are serving and to each other. I’m glad things are going well for you so far! Miss you all., Love, Mrs. Z

What a great start. We had a great time at YG last night – wasn’t the same w/o you all. Loved reading the updates – keep them coming. I am praying that you all are hit hard by God with the message that he has for each of you, sounds like it has already started. Play nice and keep rockin!

Hey everyone. So the trip has been really good so far. Let me tell you there is something about seeing two grown men cry two days in a row Right on the first day I saw God working. It started with a random guy at Walmart and me getting him a sandwhich. I prayed for him and completely forgot his name but that’s alright. The day ended with me giving another guy a bible. He started to tear up and told us he was going to read it. I asked if I could pray for him and he just had to fall on his knees for we prayed for him. The next day I prayed for a guy that was high on pearl street and sat next to a random guy named Jay to worship with him. Love you all.

Tim that is amazing!! I can’t believe that you have already touched lives and you’ve only been there a couple days!. It’s great to know that God is working amd using you all. I can’t wait to hear what else happens to you while your there!! We all miss you and are praying for you!

Tim, what a great testimony! I hope you realize now that no matter your age or experience, YOU have a lot to offer others . . . including adults like the men and women you meet on this trip. You are an awesome witness for Christ!

And YOU are a great example of my personal favorite bible verse: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Tim, Just wanted you to know that we are very proud of the way you are able to use God’s grace to help people, Keep up the good work and know that we are praying and thinking about you and your entire team.

Love you and missing you,

Mom and Dad.

P.S. It is so quiet around the house without the piano and your singing : )

The day was great was great today. We went to Red Rocks State Park and hiked around and did devos and quiet time with God. The ampitheater was awesome and the geography of the land was amazing. Ill update you the next day. See ya. Stevie D.
PS Why are the rocks in the rocks red?

I am really glad to hear that you were alright and no broken bones. God is so good. The Lord has a plan for you on this trip Stephen. Listen closely to what He wants to tell you and follow his directions. Serve with all of your heart. I can’t wait to hear about the wonderous beauty I know you are all seeing and how Denver has impacted all of you.

In the last two days I gave ubnteracted with more homeless and broken people than I eve have. I was impacted by one man in the park that we prayed for, where I saw the power of prayer throught a man who clearly wanted God’s help.

Jake, what a wonderful thing you expressed: “I saw the power of prayer.”

This is exactly what many (including me) have been praying for you and everyone else there to experience this week. While you are “working” for God, He is also working “through you”. Please encourage all your teammates to experience that same power each and every day you are there.

I can not even tell u how proud I am of you! Stepping out, putting urself out there, really showing up with all you got: heart, mind, body and soul! U are my hero, Jake!
I can not not admire u! LOL!! I LUV U SOOO MUCH!!

I’m trying to picture YOU just “observing.” I can’t see it, though. Are you guys less nervous or more? We miss you and pray that God is blessing you with insights and wisdom only He can provide. Give Joshua a hug and kiss for me, sir! 😎

lol. MIKEY!!! bestest buddy!!!!!!!!!!
I think that you learning how to observe it pure awesome…lol.
Glad to hear tht u are missing everyone except me….
i thought we were bestest buddies!! ugh!!
oh well i kno u do deep down inside! lol.
have fun mikey!

My spiritual journey recently hit a fork( in the road of life). I took the one God told me. I am sure when I reach heaven I will find a nice simple clear 4 land highway to Heaven ut now I am currently on the thorny trail God pulled me towards.

Huh? I don’t get it….I know that doesn’t surprise you, though. It’s so quiet here right now. Just Tim and me. Sara’s at Great America. Danny was over earlier, and then it WASN’T quiet, it was LOUD!!! He brought over a drum kit for Tim to use on Sat. at the zoo. Tim had a blast showing him all the crazy songs he listens to and stuff.

My professor called to tell me that we don’t have class tonight cuz she’s not feeling well. You can imagine how disappointed I am about it. 😉

We went to Uncle KC’s yesterday with Uncle Tim, Aunt Pam, Gibson (who literally cut up his paw pads from chasing the kids around the pool on the cement), Auntie Betsy, Joran, Asha, and Noah of course. Tim had Noah laughing hysterically!! I fed him, and he ate for about 2 hours just sitting in that swing.

Aren’t the mountains beautiful? I’ve only seen mountains in the west once, and would love to go back. I love you sweetie, and pray God blesses you big! What a great place to get just a GLIMPSE of how awesome he is….seeing the incredible beauty he created. I love you and will keep praying for you to see His hand in your life and that others would see him shining through you.

I agree with Claire- a great analogy. Strange, isn’t it, that when we reach the fork in the road, listen to God and go the way He directs us, that the path is thorny instead of clear sailing? Getting through the thorns is worth the journey-

Hey Everybody! Yesterday was so much fun! WE went to the Red Rocks and when I saw the huge rocks and mountains I thought abou how it says that the mountains will bow down to God. I could hardly imagine these towering mountains bowing to the Lord. It will be a great sight to see someday! Love you all!

So thrilled that you are having such an awesome time and that you are able to enjoy the majestty and beauty of God’s creation that is the Rocky Mountains. We are all fine and will be looking forward to hearing more details and seeing pictures when you get home.

Hey Em,
I am so excited to hear that you are having an amazing time in Denver!! I have read everyone’s blogs and it sounds like God is truly right there with you guys. It really makes me wish that I was there to experience it with you all. I can’t wait to hear more about your trip and can’t wait to see you when you get home!! Amanda says hi along with everyone else. Lady misses you she just lays around all the time. LOL Hey the Beard got 3 tickets the other day, i’ll tell u the story later. Love ya lots, Erika.

Emily Boo, I am glad that you’re seeing God’s handiwork in all of HIs creation (and hope you are wearing appropriate footwear while you do so). What an amazing experience to have Him turn the Bible pages for you to the verse you needed to read. Will check your blog daily to keep up on your great trip!
Love you,
Aunt Sue Sue

So today Em, Sara, Steph, Susan and mom and I went bowling before volleyball. You should have seen steph she was whipping the ball down the lane and she kicked our butts the first game mainly because she got 2 strikes in a row!! It wasn’t the same without you though. Can’t wait to hear more about your trip. Love ya so much. Erika

I miss veryone so much and it’s only been 2 days! God has really been nudging me to be more talkative and come out of my shell. I really am going to try my best to do this. It is so amazing to see the mountains and everything else in nature. Go is really amazing.
Love you guys!

Meghan, I am so glad to hear that God is challenging you to be more assertive. I know you can do it. I also know that when you talk (and write) you express some great insights and can be a tremendous witness for God. Please ask His help to overcome shyness. I am praying for you too. I sense this trip is your moment to break out and experience something wonderful.

We all miss you very much, but we are glad you’re having such a great trip so far. It sounds like a beautiful area. Please follow that nudging to come out of your shell. You have some great things inside you that need to be shared with the world. We Love You!!! We Miss You!!! We’re praying for you!!! Stay Safe!!! We’re looking forward to hearing more about this great trip!!!

Wait, so you’re going to be more talkative when you get home? I didn’t know that was possible, really! Just kidding, I can’t wait to hear your stories.
Seriously, I am so happy that you are learning more about God, and yourself, and using your experience with Him to reach out to others. Those huge mountains you see are just a glimpse of His great love for you, Meghan. Hold on to that when it gets hard, and you’re really tired. Just remember how much God loves you and how cool it is that you can share that Love with people who may have never known it before.
Be nice to Linda and Daniel, all of you. It sounds like the week has been a “challenge” for everyone. I love you more than you know. You’re in my heart!

i <3 u mom+dad! Hope no one is worrying about me b/c I am doing fine here, and I haven’t gotten hurt yet. Well I love it here in Denver, and Mom and Dad I am taking a lot of pictures. So I can’t wait to show everyone. I love everyone else!
P.S.- every day feels like a week to me.
Love Bri

Hi Bri,
In talking with you the other day, it sounds like you’re having a great experience. I’m so glad that you are able to have this experience and allowing God to work within you and share His love with others. I’ve been praying daily for each of you. I’m so glad that you are enjoying Col and I can’t wait to see the pics. We miss you lots…..Sunshine misses you too. I can tell because he is sooo quiet and you know how he likes to cherp all the time 🙂 We are leaving for NY tonight so I’m not sure when or if we’ll be able to get online again but, we’re going to try and figure out something. Love You LOTS MOXOX

The day was great today! we went to red rock national park and hiked around and did devos and quite time with God. The Ampatheatre was awesome and the geography of the land was amazing. I’ll give you an update later!

Okay, did Sam spill his paints again Stephen? That is why the rocks are red right?
I am glad to hear that you are embracing the beauty of God’s creation. We love hearing from you. We look forward to hearing more about your trip and what God unfolds for all of you. We love you very much and I can’t tell you how much I miss you. Gel’s taking good care of the phone. Stay safe and serve the Lord with all your heart.

good morning. happy sabbath! we are so excited to have a day of rest today. after serving 300 kids at day camp all last week and then jumping into ministry in denver yesterday, it will be nice to pull back for the day. i was so thankful for 8 hours of sleep last night (although I am finally realizing that i am getting too old for sleeping on the floor!)
today’s sabbath plan: quiet time/walk with jesus experience @ red rocks state park, lunch at red rocks ampitheater, hang out/observational research experience @ pearl st (boulder), homeless feeding and church @ scum of the earth church. im sure you will hear stories from the rest of the team later.

Hey Everybody!!
I just wanted to update you guys on how our first day in Denver was. God really blessed us by supplying open seats on an earlier flight so that we could make it to Confluence Mission’s (the place we are staying) Block Party. When we arrived at the rental car place we were blessed again and were given a Suburban and a HUMMER!!
It is so cool to see the mountains and Daniel served as our tour guide on our way to Confluence Missions, pointing out all of the mountains and their names. AND HE MADE NO U-TURNS!!!!!!
Right when we got to Confluence we started helping with the Block party. We started by passed out flyers, and Daniel and I got to pray for a woman who’s baby is due tomorrow!! It was a great experience! Then we helped by pouring drinks, and picking up trash. Tim and I rocked the Jumping House!!!
Right now we are getting ready to eat dinner in a park and then get ready for tomorrow! Denver is amazing! Love you all!!!

Thanks for the early update Emily. What a great start! All of us back home will be following this blog closely your entire trip. I’m so glad to hear that you are enjoying God’s gift of nature, His plan for you, and serving Him. I am praying that you all have an incredible spiritual adventure too. Say hi to everyone for me.

HEY EM!! I am glad that you were able to make the earlier flight and that you are recieving such blessings from God and just on your first day!! I hope you have a lot of fun while your there. We’re looking forward to reading more of your updates. I love ya baby sis and stay safe!!!

It is awesome to hear from you! How even more awesome that you can already see God at work- from your flight to Denver, to providing the cars, to being put to work serving and praying right away! Love you!
Mom

We’re here! It was a God day all the way. We had 10 people trying to flying standy…we got on. Then our rental cars werent supposed to be ready…they upgraded us to a suburban and hummer! We then got to the ministry site and were immediately put into action. Thanks for praying for us.

Hey all ! Tommorrow you set out on your adventure. I hope you have spent time with God as you prepared and that you keep him with you as you go. Something that has been on my mind as to your trip is that the one thing that you have control over is your attitude – You have the ability to decide to search for God’s message and to make the most out of this opportunity. You also have the ability to decide that this is a waste of your time. I pray that you give yourselves the chance to see and to learn and to grow. I can’t wait to see what you choose.

I love Colorado! Its my second home. So I am pumped to go there again and take some students too. I cant wait to share this experience together. Today I was showing Jake pictures of Colorado and got really excited.